Three northern districts of Tamil Nadu likely to face heatwave-like conditions on March 8

With north Tamil Nadu, particularly Vellore, Ranipet and Tiruvallur districts, expected to record a hot and humid Sunday, the Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a heat impact advisory for the districts.

For the second consecutive day on Saturday, Vellore recorded a sizzling temperature of 39.6 degree Celsius, nearly 4.2 degree Celsius above normal, making it the hottest place in the State for the second day. On Friday, the day temperature in the district had touched 40 degree Celsius.

RMC officials said the prevailing weather pattern could lead to heatwave-like conditions in parts of north T.N., with hot and humid weather likely to cause heat stress among vulnerable groups. In an advisory to minimise impacts due to heat stress, the RMC has asked people to avoid being outdoors between noon and 3 p.m. and also issued tips for treating persons affected by sunstroke.

Interior places like Madurai, Karur Paramathi, and Tiruchi also recorded above normal temperature on Saturday. While Meenambakkam in Chennai recorded an above average temperature of 35.7 degree Celsius, Nungambakkam recorded a lower temperature of 32.5 degree Celsius.

B. Amudha, Head, RMC, said Vellore climatologically recorded higher temperature during summer. While there have been occasions in the past when Vellore recorded above 40 degree Celsius, it has experienced searing heat relatively early this month. Unlike Chennai, where sea breeze influences the day temperature, interior areas tend to record scorching heat. Dry weather and clear skies have also contributed to the rise in temperature.

The RMC expects a fall in maximum temperature by two or three degree Celsius between March 9 and March 11 and light rains over some Western Ghats districts and south coastal T.N. till March 13.